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Introduction

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The Nintendo GameCube launching 2001 was the second most powerful gaming console of its time, though it didn't feature any other multimedia capabilities.

It was my first stationary gaming device and I still appreciate it, because a lot of good games like Zelda: The WindWaker and the best version of Resident Evil 4 have their homes on this platform.

The unit disassembled in this teardown is a PAL one.

That's it. Enjoy the teardown!

What you need

Tools

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This teardown is not a repair guide. To repair your Nintendo GameCube, use our service manual.

  1. Nintendo GameCube Teardown, Nintendo GameCube Teardown: step 1, image 1 of 3 Nintendo GameCube Teardown, Nintendo GameCube Teardown: step 1, image 2 of 3 Nintendo GameCube Teardown, Nintendo GameCube Teardown: step 1, image 3 of 3
    • Flip the unit upside down and remove the screws sitting in the four deep holes in the corners using a 4.5mm gamebit driver. Don't remove the enclosure yet!

    • Turn the device right side up again, and now lift the top case off. It'll come up easily.

  2. Nintendo GameCube Teardown: step 2, image 1 of 3 Nintendo GameCube Teardown: step 2, image 2 of 3 Nintendo GameCube Teardown: step 2, image 3 of 3
    • Unsnap the controller port cover and the rearmost I/O-cover by unsnapping the two snaps on the sides of each cover. Don't remove the controller panel yet.

    • Then remove the heatsinks of the memory card slots (necessary step).

  3. Nintendo GameCube Teardown: step 3, image 1 of 3 Nintendo GameCube Teardown: step 3, image 2 of 3 Nintendo GameCube Teardown: step 3, image 3 of 3
    • Now start removing the 'normal' Phillips #2 screws.

    • Start by removing the fan assembly.

    • then unscrew the 12 visible screws on the edging of the now not so cube-shaped GameCube.

  4. Nintendo GameCube Teardown: step 4, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    Heavy-Duty Spudger
    $4.99
    • Now you can lift the drive assembly up. You maybe have to loosen it a bit with a screwdriver or a heavy duty spudger.

    • The mainboard is now visible.

  5. Nintendo GameCube Teardown: step 5, image 1 of 2 Nintendo GameCube Teardown: step 5, image 2 of 2
    • Now remove the heatsink. Unscrew the six screws holding it.

    • Now use anything flat and durable to carefully lift up the heatsink by putting it under the aluminum and using it gently as a lever.

    • Be careful using a tool to lift up the heatsink. If removing the heat sink is difficult, use a hairdryer or heat gun to warm the thermal pads and gently twist the heatsink off by hand.

  6. Nintendo GameCube Teardown: step 6, image 1 of 2 Nintendo GameCube Teardown: step 6, image 2 of 2
    • If there are thermal pads remaining on the processors and/or ram chips, remove them with a plastic spudger.

    • Now disconnect the controller port panel connector by lifting and jiggling it carefully. It should come off easily.

  7. Nintendo GameCube Teardown: step 7, image 1 of 2 Nintendo GameCube Teardown: step 7, image 2 of 2
    • 24 MB MoSys 1T-SRAM

    • ATI 'Flipper' GPU, 162 MHz with 3 MB 1T-SRAM embedded within the die

    • IBM 'Gekko' CPU, 486 MHz (PowerPC 750CXe-based core)

    • Connectors (2nd pic):

    • 'Hi Speed Port'

    • 'Serial Port 1'

    • 'Serial Port 2'

  8. Nintendo GameCube Teardown: step 8, image 1 of 3 Nintendo GameCube Teardown: step 8, image 2 of 3 Nintendo GameCube Teardown: step 8, image 3 of 3
    • If you lift the mainboard up, you'll see a metal plate, probably for EMI-protection. Remove the two screws holding it and you have access to the internal power supply.

Thomas J

Member since: 01/24/10

415 Reputation

1 Guide authored

14 Comments

Great teardown Thomas!

Miroslav Djuric - Reply

Quote from Miroslav Djuric:

Great teardown Thomas!

Thanks!

Thomas J - Reply

WOW! Great work, Nintendo stuff is hard to open!

Mc128k - Reply

Quote from Mc128k:

WOW! Great work, Nintendo stuff is hard to open!

Thank you! Everything beyond Triwing requires creativity.

Thomas J - Reply

Will I need to reapply the thermal paste?

http://i.imgur.com/Q6antAn.jpg

Calvin Hall - Reply

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